Fulton takes lead for Student-Athlete Advisory CommitteeFormer UW swimmer Nick Fulton is serving as chair of the NCAA Division I SAAC

Nick Fulton

Feb. 9, 2010

MADISON, Wis. -- Nick Fulton's days as a student-athlete have come and gone, but the former Wisconsin swimmer is staying involved in college athletics as a leader for the thousands who still compete.

Fulton, who graduated from UW with dual degrees in political science and economics in 2009, was named chair of the Division I Student-Athlete Advisory Committee during last month's NCAA Convention, continuing his involvement in the group tasked with looking out for the welfare of student-athletes from 335 Division I institutions.

As chair, Fulton guides the SAAC in working with other NCAA committees on proposed legislation and bringing feedback from student-athletes to the attention of the association's various cabinets.

Fulton spent the 2008-09 academic year as the Division I SAAC's vice-chair, while also serving as president of UW's committee and as the Badgers' representative to the Big Ten Conference SAAC.

“I’ve been involved in leadership roles throughout high school,” Fulton told UWBadgers.com for a story last year. “So when I came to Wisconsin, Coach (Eric) Hansen pointed me in the SAAC direction. He thought it was a good tool and something that was necessary and a way for student athletes to convey their opinions.

“After finding out more about it, my interest grew.”

Fulton, who aspires to work as an athletics director at the Division I level, also is gaining experience as an assistant to the administration at UW this year.

In the pool, Fulton finished eighth for the Badgers in the 400-yard medley relay at the 2007 Big Ten Championships. He also qualified for the 2008 U.S. Olympic Trials in the 100-meter backstroke .